Madam,

I write to you as an ex community councillor. I represented the Llanfihangel y Creuddyn Ward for decades, but two years ago I resigned due to the fact that I (along with others) was completely frustrated and disillusioned by the actions of Ceredigion County Council and their treatment of our community council and rural areas generally.

Several properties in my ward are rated on a Band D and above, and like many ratepayers feel that the services provided do not justify the extortionate rates.

Furthermore, we see quite drastic erosion in the services provided in the upkeep of rural roads, maintenance of verges with infrequent cutting, the sporadic and unreliable collection of waste and recycling, let alone the closure of rural schools, with the disastrous effect it has on our language and culture, along with local industries such as agriculture and other small businesses which are currently under severe pressure and financial constraints.

It has been well documented that there is still a complete lack of transparency and information from Ceredigion council regarding such matters as the cost of Aberystwyth Bandstand, payments to Pricewaterhouse Cooper and, more recently, the controversial sale of Bodlondeb.

This information should be in the public domain! Has Ceredigion County Council something to hide by taking this furtive action?

It is also very questionable as to the monies raised from the sale of other council properties and assets.

In times of austerity I fail to understand how it is possible for Ceredigion to donate a reported £200,000 (with possibly more to follow), to the Ceredigion National Eisteddfod. Is this at the expense of the school’s music service and other diluted services?

The leader of the council stressed that the extra two per cent rise in rates was for the funding of schools. Well surely the peripatetic music service is provided for our youngsters in schools?

With respect to the wage increase for councillors, I understand that this was a recommendation and did not have to be implemented or accepted. Surely hard pressed ratepayers will find this difficult to swallow on top of a seven per cent increase in council rates?

As previously highlighted by George Holloway, I also reiterate and ask the question “what are we paying our council tax for?”

Yours etc, J J Powell, Llanfihangel y Creuddyn.

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